Oil-Fed Racer: 2007 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP Le Mans Car Going to Auction

If you want to own one of the few diesel-powered race cars ever to campaign in the Le Mans series, you're in luck. At an auction in Monaco on May 11, buyers will be able to bid on this 2007 Peugeot 908 HDi V-12 FAP Le Mans racer.The 908 HDi FAP was Peugeot's diesel-powered entry into Le Mans racing; the letters FAP come from the use of a diesel particulate filter, called filtre à particules in Peugeot's native tongue. The twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12 engine was rated for over 700 hp and more than 885 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. Aside from the advanced diesel mill, the Peugeot 908 had many other racy components like a carbon-fiber monocoque, pushrod suspension, and electric power steering. The 5.5-liter displacement is the largest allowed by LMP rules, and the V-12 was given a 100-degree bank angle to keep its center of gravity as low as possible.Peugeot first announced its goal of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a diesel-powered car in 2005, and took home victories in several races. This particular car, chassis number 02, raced from 2007 to 2009 at Monza, Silverstone, Interlagos, Barcelona, and Spa. It is the first 908 HDI race car to be sold to the general public.Of course, running a Le Mans car isn't as simple as turning a key; Peugeot advises that potential owners will need specialized equipment and training to use the 908. Fortunately, the sale of this car includes a three-year commitment from Peugeot Sport to provide technical support -- for the group's normal rate, which is probably quite expensive.Peugeot was only the second company to race a diesel vehicle in the LMP series, after Audi had great success with its R10 TDI. However, Peugeot pulled the plug on its Le Mans program earlier this year, citing a depressed financial situation in Europe and the need for the automaker to focus on mainstream cars.This Peugeot 908 HDi FAP is expected to bring between €1 and €1.5 million at the auction, about $1.3 to $2 million.Source: RM Auctions